Meet a Bloomington firefighter

Joe Muewissen Jr. has been a Bloomington firefighter for 12 years. He serves out of Station 2.

Q: What made you want to become a firefighter?

A: My father was a firefighter. I grew up going to the fire station, rolling the hose and listening to stories from all the other firefighters. It made me really want to become one when I was old enough. Back then the thing I liked most was the cool equipment and stories. Now the thing I enjoy is helping my neighbors.

Q: What is your day job?

A: I am a full-time firefighter and I pick up extra duty shifts with my Army unit when they are available.

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not working or volunteering?

A: I play softball in the summer and broomball in the winter.

Q: What do you love about living in Bloomington?

A: I’ve lived in Bloomington since I was 3. I left for a few years for school, but I came back because Bloomington is a really good community and is close to everything.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: I’m a Star Wars junkie. I’ve read all the books and watched all the movies. My favorite has to be The Empire Strikes Back.